Gerald Strickland

My name is Gerald Strickland and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I perform client-centered compassionate care utilizing evidence-based treatment approaches to helping people. I perform cognitive behavioral approaches to reduce maladaptive behaviors and thinking patterns and enhancement of adaptive functioning.

My approach

My approach to providing therapy begins with building trust and rapport with the patient. I'll utilize motivational interviewing techniques to learn from the patient what they would like to work on. Together we will identify problems and create a treatment plan with which to address maladaptive behaviors. Utilizing a client-centered approach, I'll carefully identify distortions of thoughts and teach the patient how to challenge distortions of thought and create better self-esteem based on self-honesty and introspection.

My focus

I have worked for most of my career with anxious and depressed people. I have worked with psychotic patients in inpatient settings. I have experience with patients with post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders, and personality disordered individuals. I have worked in many different settings such as clinics, jails, prisons, hospitals and have spent the last three years working remotely from home utilizing Zoom.

My communication style

People tell me I have a pleasant and calming voice. I modulate my voice depending on the topic at hand and am mindful of my body language. I want to create a safe and comfortable setting for the patient and am very cautious engaging in confrontation. I pay attention to timing patient readiness for change. I determine the level of resilience, toleration of frustration, and motivation for change. I tune in with the patient and match the pace at which the patient is moving and constantly check in with patient to determine if interventions being performed resonate with the patient.

My journey to mental healthcare

I was attracted to psychotherapy and social work as a young person due to my passion for helping others. I am driven by a desire to help others reach their full potential and manifest their best version of themselves.

My goals for you

Utilizing Socratic reasoning and motivational interviewing, I negotiate with the patient to determine what it is they wish to work on. I help the patient to verbalize their needs and wants via active listening and information gathering. I help the patient to prioritize which goals they would want to work on first. If clinically appropriate we will then work together to realize and manifest behavior change.

My first session with you

The patient can expect a warm reception and introduction of the therapist during the first session. From the beginning of the first session on, I will tune in for any distress, resistance, or treatment impasses. The first session will be the best time to initiate rapport and trust with the patient. I freely self-disclose my educational background and professional experience and practice wisdom and solicit feedback to ensure that the professional relationship will be a success.